AdamFrisch raises a very good question (the first in this mail string). Airplanes optimized for skinny routes could eliminate unnecessary transit stops for passengers, reduce the total fossil fuel burn, help environment. Direct point-to-point operations is the most efficient way to go. Now that ETOPS is routine, it should allow manufacturers to design efficient ETOPS twins for such operations. I wonder if the big boys are fat and happy with their product line, may be some new scrappy manufacturer can make a mark by exploiting this niche!
Read the whole thread and you will better understand why this will never happen. Bottom line is that the airlines make more money with the current system, if you gave them a more efficient aircraft they would just utilize it on the most suitable hub and spoke route. The manufacturer's design aircraft for their customers needs, the airline not the passenger.